Texas Gasoline Availability - Hurricane Harvey Aftermath

News outlets (including the San Antonio Express) are reporting that the devastation of Hurricane Harvey has resulted in a 20% reduction in United States oil refining capabilities.

While residents directly affected by this epic disaster slowly begin the rebuilding process, surrounding areas are experiencing soaring fuel costs when they are lucky enough to locate gas stations that have any available.

Update: 9/1/2017 - 2:20pm

From the Washington Post

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says there’s “plenty of gasoline in the state of Texas” and that more is being shipped in from surrounding states.

He said at a news conference in Austin on Friday that a pipeline that had been supplying gasoline from Texas to Oklahoma has been reversed to bolster his state’s fuel supply after Harvey.

Abbott said, “Don’t worry, we won’t run out.”

The comments come after widespread reports of gas shortages prompted the head of the Texas agency that regulates the oil and gas industry to urge drivers to wait three or four days to fill up their tanks. Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton said panic buying is causing a run on gas and empty fuel pumps.

Update: 9/1/2017 - 2:45pm

It appears that much of the initial panic that lead to long lines at the pumps has abated. Some areas are still reporting long lines, but anecdotally waits appear to be decreasing (at least in the Dallas-Fort Worth area).

At approximately 2:40pm the app waze sent out a notification to users to request assistance in marking fuel stations that are currently out of gasoline. As data is uploaded from users through the app, it could become a reliable means of finding gasoline. You can read more about the waze navigation application here.

Additional News Stories:

Storm Harvey paralyzes a fifth of U.S. fuel output - REUTERS
Texas drivers rush to fill gas tanks as pump prices rise - ABC News
Gasoline at Two-Year High as Harvey Shuts Largest U.S. Refinery - Bloomberg Markets